Hansen's interest was confirmed by people with knowledge of the situation, the AP reports.

They spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because no deal has been reached.

One person said the Kings could sell for more than $500 million. The Kings' future in Sacramento has been uncertain because the Maloofs and the city haven't been able to come up with a long-term arena solution.

And as for Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn's reaction?

"If it's true, ain't it cool?"

Hansen's group is expected to pitch in $290 million in private investment toward the arena, along with helping to pay for transportation improvements in the area around the stadiums.

Johnson spoke about the benefits involved with the team remaining in Sacramento.

"Our fans have supported this franchise over the past 27 years," he told the media.

The situation allows Sacramento to stay in control of its own destiny.

"This gives us a tremendous opportunity to do that," Johnson said.

The Sacramento mayor acknowledged the city has been in this position previously, but referred to the reports as rumors, emphasizing that nothing is final.

He cited similar situations with Virginia Beach and Anaheim.

As for the Maloofs, "they've shown a desire to sell the team, so that's what's significant today," Johnson said.

The brothers are exploring their options, but Johnson said he's not privy to negotiations in Seattle.

The mayor reached out to several Maloofs on Wednesday, but said he hasn't heard back. Johnson also put in a call to NBA Commissioner David Stern, but the two haven't spoken yet.

If the Kings were to move, it would result in the loss of about 600 to 1,000 jobs, Johnson said.

"(I'm) going to make every effort to keep the Kings in Sacramento," he told the media. "We want to keep the Kings here."

KCRA 3's David Bienick is reporting from Seattle, where he said the city is abuzz with the NBA reports.

If a team comes to the city, it would play at Key Arena while waiting for a new arena to be built.

Seattle lost the SuperSonics in 2008.

Reports earlier Wednesday from Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski ?first indicated that the Maloofs were finalizing a deal with Seattle-based Hansen-Ballmer, to sell the team for approximately $500 million.

Yahoo! Sports is also reporting that the Maloofs would keep a small percentage of the team.